Young cancer survivor kicks off Chai Lifeline toy drive

A young cancer survivor has collected 500 toys to help kick off a toy drive run by Chai Lifeline Canada, a charity based in North York that helps support seriously ill children and their families. Eight-year-old Ethan (we are withholding his last name at the family’s request) has been rallying his friends and family to contribute to the organization’s 14th annual holiday toy drive, which will bring joy to more than 400 families.

“Each toy will put a smile on a child’s face, encouraging their imagination and coping skills, decreasing their stress and helping them hope beyond their current circumstances,” Chai Lifeline said in a news release.

In January 2019, Ethan was diagnosed with a brain tumour that had spread to his spine. He underwent 13 months of treatment and was supported by Chai Lifeline. He’s now paying it forward. “Every day when Ethan was sick in the hospital, Chai Lifeline Canada brought him a toy which would light up his day and make the treatment easier. Now it’s our time to give back,” Ethan’s mother Cindi said in the news release. This story originally appeared on Toronto.com.